Integrated pest control system adopted in Saudi

The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has founded a pest museum as part of its efforts to achieve broader environmental health awareness.The ministry launched the pest museum project after conducting a study between 2009 and 2011 on pests commonly found in Najran, Jazan, Asir and the Baha provinces, Yahya Al-Hoqail, director of public health at the ministry, said in a statement to the Saudi Press Agency yesterday.The project initially included a database on pests that are commonly combated by municipalities in various provinces before founding the museum at the ministry’s headquarters, aimed at raising awareness about the dangers posed to humans.Exhibits at the museum were collected from the southern region over a period of 24 months. Captions detailing their places of breeding, geographical distribution and their peak breeding times are also supplied.The ministry has also adopted an environmental-friendly strategy of integrated pest management using techniques such as engineering combat, genetic combat and biological combat. The strategy also stresses the minimal use of pesticides and choosing the most suitable pesticide where needed, said Al-Hoqail.The museum also exhibits six publications issued by the ministry on public health management and spreading awareness about the dangers posed by pests, such as mosquitoes, fleas, rodents, stray animals and birds. The publications are also distributed to municipalities and other local administrations, besides being posted on Internet sites.